System Requirements

EchoLink is designed to work on personal computers meeting the following minimum requirements:

• Intel (or compatible) CPU, meeting the minimum system requirements for the edition of Windows being used.
• Any of the following Microsoft Windows versions, either 32-bit or 64-bit:
  • Windows Vista (all editions)
  • Windows 7 (all editions)
  • Windows Server 2008 (and R2)
  • Windows Server 2012 (and R2)
  • Windows 8 (all editions)
  • Windows 8.1 (all editions)
  • Windows Server 2016
  • Windows 10 (all editions)
  • Windows Server 2019
  • Windows 11 (all editions)
• Color display with resolution of 800x600 or higher.
• 16-bit sound card or built-in sound hardware, with appropriate Windows drivers.  Full-duplex capability is recommended for all modes, and is required for Sysop mode.
• Dedicated Internet connection, 24 kbps or higher in each direction.  128 kbps upstream (ISDN, cable modem, DSL or better) is recommended for Conferencing capability.  Nearly all modern Internet service connections easily meet this requirement. For TCP/IP port requirements, see Firewall Issues.
• Approximately 10 MB free disk space.
• Sufficient RAM to meet the minimum operating-system requirement. EchoLink itself uses about 15MB.
• Mouse, or other pointing device (recommended).
• Microphone and speakers, or headset with boom mic, for Single-User mode. Most laptop computers have a built-in microphone, but a headset is preferred.
• ASCII, direct-serial, or VOX-controlled rig interface, for Sysop mode.  (For more information, see Interfacing.)
• Optional: Packet terminal-node controller (TNC), for APRS option in Sysop mode.  The TNC serial port must run at 9600 bps.  Although EchoLink is believed to work with most TNCs, only the AEA PK-232 has been tested.